Fresh Jumbo Prawns (جمبو ٹائیگر جھینگے)

What Are Jumbo Prawns?

Jumbo Prawns — locally known as Barra Jaira (بڑا جیرا) or Super Jumbo Jaira — are the largest size of Indian White Prawns (Fenneropenaeus indicus) available from Pakistan’s Arabian Sea coast. At FreshCuts, these are sourced fresh every morning from Karachi Fish Harbour and prepared the same day against your order. No frozen stock. No overnight storage.

With approximately 12 to 18 whole prawns per kg, jumbo prawns offer thick, meaty flesh that holds up beautifully in high-heat cooking. Whether you are planning a family BBQ, a Karachi-style masala, or a continental seafood platter, these are the prawns that deliver on both size and flavour.

Flavor Profile

Jumbo White Prawns have a clean, mildly sweet flavour with a firm, juicy bite. Unlike Tiger Prawns which carry a bolder, brinier taste, Jaira prawns are more delicate — making them ideal for dishes where the spice and masala should shine alongside the prawn rather than compete with it. They absorb marinades deeply and stay succulent through grilling, frying, and curry cooking.

Name and Identification

English Name: Indian White Prawn — Jumbo Size Local Urdu Name: Jaira (جیرا), Barra Jaira (بڑا جیرا), Safaid Jumbo Jheenga Scientific Name: Fenneropenaeus indicus Family: Penaeidae Also Known As: White Prawns, Jumbo White Prawns, Super Jumbo Prawns

For the full species profile, see the Indian White Prawn on FishBase.

Habitat and Sourcing

Indian White Prawns are native to the Arabian Sea and Indo-Pacific coastal waters, thriving in shallow sandy seabeds and estuaries along Pakistan’s Sindh and Balochistan coastline. FreshCuts sources jumbo prawns exclusively through wild catch — hand-selected at Karachi Fish Harbour on the morning of your delivery date.

Size, Cutting Options and Yield

Size and Count Per Kg

Approximately 12 to 18 whole uncleaned prawns per kg, depending on the day’s harbour catch. Each prawn weighs between 55 and 80 grams whole. This is the largest size of white Jaira prawns available at FreshCuts.

Cutting Preferences

Select your preferred cleaning style at checkout:

Whole (Uncleaned / ثابت): Full prawn with head and shell. Best for BBQ on the grill — shell protects the meat from direct heat and locks in natural juices.

Headless Shell-On (بغیر سر کے مگر چھلکے سمیت): Head removed, shell kept on. Popular for karahi and masala dishes where the shell adds flavour to the gravy.

Peeled, Deveined, Tail-On (چھلا ہوا، دم سمیت): Shell removed, tail left for presentation. Ideal for stir-fry, pasta, and plated dishes.

Fully Peeled and Deveined (مکمل طور پر چھلا ہوا): Completely clean, ready to cook directly. Most popular for biryani and everyday home cooking.

Tempura Cut (ٹمپورا کٹ): Scored and butterflied so the prawn lies flat without curling. Ready to batter and fry for crispy restaurant-style tempura prawns at home. Exclusive to FreshCuts — not available at most seafood delivery services in Karachi.

Approximate Cleaning Yield

All prices are based on pre-cleaning weight. Here is what you receive after each cut:

Example: If you order 2 kg fully peeled, you will receive approximately 960g to 1.04kg of cleaned prawn meat.

Health and Nutrition

Health Benefits

Jumbo White Prawns are one of the most nutrient-dense seafood options available in Pakistan. A 100g serving provides approximately 20g of lean protein with under 2g of fat — making them an excellent choice for high-protein, low-calorie meals. They are naturally rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which support heart health and reduce inflammation, Vitamin B12 for energy and brain function, Iodine and Selenium for thyroid and immune support, and Zinc and Phosphorus for bone strength and metabolic balance.

For more on seafood’s role in heart and brain health, see Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Calories Per 100g

Calories: 99 | Protein: 20g | Fat: 1.7g | Carbohydrates: 0g | Cholesterol: 152mg

Prawns contain dietary cholesterol but are very low in saturated fat, making them safe in moderation for most healthy diets. If you have specific cholesterol concerns, consult your doctor before including prawns regularly in your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Jumbo Prawns and Tiger Prawns?

Jumbo White Prawns (Jaira) and Tiger Prawns (Kala Tiger) are two completely different species. Jaira are Indian White Prawns with a pale white colour, mild sweet flavour, and softer texture — ideal for biryani, karahi, and everyday cooking. Tiger Prawns are darker with black and orange stripes, a firmer and bolder flavour, and are best for BBQ, grilling, and premium presentations. Tiger Prawns are typically more expensive per kg due to their size and catch availability. See our Tiger Prawns page to compare directly.

How many jumbo prawns do I need per person?

For a main course, allow 250 to 300 grams of whole uncleaned prawns per person. After full peeling this gives approximately 120 to 150 grams of prawn meat per serving. For a family of 4, order 1.2 to 1.5 kg whole.

Are jumbo prawns halal?

Yes. Prawns are considered halal by the majority of Islamic scholars as seafood. They are widely consumed across Pakistan without religious restriction. Some Hanafi scholars classify prawns as makruh rather than haram — if this applies to your household, please consult your local religious authority.

What is the price of jumbo prawns in Karachi?

FreshCuts jumbo white prawns are currently priced at ₨3,500 per kg based on pre-cleaning weight. Prices may vary slightly by season and harbour availability. All current pricing is shown live on this page.

What is the best dish to cook with jumbo prawns?

Jumbo White Prawns work best in: Prawn Karahi (their size holds up in the masala), Garlic Butter Prawns (the mild sweetness complements butter and herb sauces), BBQ Grilled Prawns (order whole for this), and Tempura Fried Prawns (order Tempura Cut for perfect flat frying). See our Prawn Karahi recipe for a step-by-step Karachi-style guide using this exact prawn size.

Can I get jumbo prawns delivered in Karachi today?

Yes. Orders placed before 10 PM are sourced fresh from Karachi Fish Harbour the following morning and delivered the same day across Karachi including DHA, Clifton, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Johar, PECHS, Nazimabad, Malir, Korangi, and surrounding areas. Cash on delivery available.